Maggie, aged 42, of Hen Lane, Holbrooks, said: “Someone must be to blame for what happened.

"My uncle’s death cannot be in vain. No one is taking the blame for what happened. I think it lies with the council.

‘‘We will fight for justice for as long as it takes. We won’t stop until someone takes the blame for this.

"Even after my uncle died we told the council how dangerous these junctions are and the attitude was they are safe and we’re not backing down.

‘‘It’s just not acceptable and it’s disgusting that the council are removing traffic lights at another junction.

"It makes my uncle’s death seem like a joke. It won’t be the first accident to happen on these junctions.

“My brother is so upset - he’s hoping to organise a demonstration where my uncle died and march across the junction.

"If pedestrians have right of way it shouldn’t be a problem. We’re considering launching a petition too.”

Mr Thompson’s injuries were so severe he spent a month in the critical care unit at Coventry’s University Hospital.

They included a shattered pelvis, broken leg, broken arm and dislocated shoulder.

Speaking about her uncle’s death, Maggie said: “It feels like it happened yesterday. I hope in time things will get better but it’s still fresh in our minds.

"He had gone into the city centre for the last 30 years. The day he died was the first day he crossed the new road junction since Christmas because the weather had been quite bad.’’

Confusing and unsafe, say shoppers

PEOPLE on the streets of Coventry were yesterday still against the new type of junctions.

Speaking at the scene of the accident in Hales Street, Jennifer Bowers, aged 23, of Coundon, said: “I don’t think shared spaces are safe at all. I know some of my friends who have driven at the junction in Hales Street and been confused as to who has right of way.

“Whenever I’ve crossed on them I’ve always felt it’s more like a roundabout. It can be really difficult to cross at times. I think another junction like that is going to be horrendous.”

Katie Mimnaugh, aged 22, of Henley Green, said: “I definitely think we need the traffic lights back. It’s not safe for anyone really. Even kids can’t keep checking on where the cars are coming from as they cross the junction. No one seems to know who has right of way. We really don’t need another one.”

Maura Richardson, aged 70, of Willenhall, said: “It’s very difficult and I’m always nervous when crossing those junctions. I really don’t like the thought of having another one.”

Her pal Freda Witter, aged 74, of Binley, said: “They are not a good idea. It’s about time the council listened to what we want for a change. The money they spend on these could be spent on more important things like helping the homeless who are sleeping rough on the streets. I’m shocked they want to create another one.”

Coventry University student Adam Smith-Hospedales, aged 20, said: “When I first came to the city I was really confused by them. It can be really unsafe and can be really awkward when trying to cross.”